- The Rajasthan government has passed the Rajasthan Protection from Lynching Bill, 2019.
- The Madhya Pradesh government has also introduced a Bill that seeks to curb cow vigilantism and mob lynching.
- State Law Commission in Uttar Pradesh has drafted the UP Combating of Mob Lynching Bill, 2019, and submitted it to Chief Minister.
- These developments follow 2018 Supreme Court verdict in the case of Tehseen S. Poonawalla vs. Union of India where SC had recommended the central government should enact a legislation to create a separate offence for lynching
- Rajasthan Protection from Lynching Bill, 2019 makes mob lynching a cognisable, non-bailable and non-compoundable offence.
- It defines lynching as an act of violence, whether spontaneous or planned, by a mob on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth, language, dietary practices, sexual orientation, political affiliation and ethnicity.
- It provides for life imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh to convicts in cases of mob lynching involving the victim’s death.
- It also provides for appointment of a nodal officer of the rank of Inspector-General of Police to prevent lynching and establishment of relief camps in safe zones for the victims.
- The Madhya Pradesh bill seeks to amend the Madhya Pradesh Govansh Vadh Pratishedh Act, 2004. It proposes a minimum jail term of six months that may be extended to one year for cow vigilantism and lynching. The minimum fine is Rs 5,000 and the maximum Rs 50,000.
- It also seeks to insert a provision which will specify who issues the transit permit of cow progeny, which will be pasted prominently on the vehicle.
